The End of the World in Ten Stanzas by Sonya Plenefisch

The End of the World in Ten Stanzas

i) The Sun is dying, and at least
all the newspapers in the world
can finally agree on a headline.
None of them know what picture to use.

ii) My cousin buys a telescope when everyone else
buys canned beans and assault rifles because
they’ve watched all the movies.
He learns to stargaze. He knows
half the stars he sees are already dead.
He decides not to tell anyone.

iii) The man down the street finally has that affair
with the woman in the law office.
His wife doesn’t get mad.
She kisses him the same, just a little bit different.